Stonewash Media

[colu41]

So I just finished my make shift stone wash/ tumbler, and want to try it out on some blades.
I'm looking for a more rough finish than a soft polish.
I'm guessing smaller more jagged media would work, but anyone with experience please fill me in.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I use these from McMaster Carr:

4918A911 CERAMIC MEDIA, COARSE, V-CYLINDER, 1/2" X 1/2", 10 LB PACKAGE
4918A918 CERAMIC MEDIA, COARSE, TRIANGULAR 22 DEG, 5/16"X7/8", 10 LB

 

[colu41]

Hm. Interesting. Thanks. Is there a difference in using ceramic vs. plain rock?

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

Thanks. Is there a difference in using ceramic vs. plain rock?

Yes. I've tried everything, it's all a waste of time, just use real media.

http://www.candmtopline.com/media_compounds.html#ceramic

Try DF in a large size. The shape almost doesn't even matter.

 

[colu41]

Yes. I've tried everything, it's all a waste of time, just use real media.

http://www.candmtopline.com/media_compounds.html#ceramic

Try DF in a large size. The shape almost doesn't even matter.

Thanks Nathan. Why is all the good stuff only sold in bulk!?

 

[P.Brewster]

I use fast-cutting media, either from a local supplier or McMaster, for general tumbling work. You can get smaller quantities from McMaster, or very small quantities at Harbor Freight (although the HF price per pound is absurdly high).

In a rotating drum, media size makes a huge difference: big media = aggressive corner and tip rounding.

Contrary to what Nathan suggests, I do like to use quartz-bearing landscaping rocks (pebble gravel or similar) to bring out a luster without serious edge rounding. Other rock types to not work well. Again, my experience is with a rotating tumbler, while Nathan uses a vibe model according to past posts. That may explain the different opinions.

 

[colu41]

Thanks PB. And mine is a rotating drum. I am going to test a few things out today hopefully before I go ahead and spend $50-$80 on a bag of ceramic.